Individually addressable dimmer systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for of dimming generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers. An exemplary dimming module accepts a power source for a light source and a dimming signal. The dimming module modifies the power signal and generates a modified power signal capable of dimming LED light sources (and other light sources) that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers. The dimming signal can be a wireless signal. Exemplary embodiments include a computer application executing on a computer or handheld computer that can be used to remotely dim, via the dimming module, one or more LED light sources (and other light sources) that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/868,832, filed Aug. 22, 2013, and alsoentitled “INDIVIDUALLY ADDRESSABLE DIMMER SYSTEMS AND METHODS” (AttorneyDocket No. 24259/04856), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference as though fully recited herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of dimming lightsources. The present disclosure relates more specifically to systems andmethods of dimming light sources (causing them to appear to the humaneye to be constantly ON, but at a lower intensity than full intensity)by modifying the power signal powering the light source.

Many conventional light emitting diode-based (LED) light sources are notdimmable with conventional dimmers (i.e., a conventional dimmer causeseither no dimming effect—the LED stays at the same intensity and then atsome point simply turns off—or causes the LED to flash in a mannervisible to the human eye). Accordingly, LED light sources (and otherlight sources) are often specifically modified to enable them to accepta power signal from a conventional dimmer, such as a triac dimmer orrheostat dimmer, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,399 (LED) and U.S. Pat. Nos.5,821,699; 6,011,357; 6,448,713; and 5,982,111 (fluorescent). Thisapproach requires that the light source driver be changed to accept thedimmed signal, light the light source, and dim the light source all inresponse to the dimmed signal.

SUMMARY

The present application takes a different approach, by moving away froma conventional dimmer, and presents a novel dimmer circuit. Morespecifically, the present application discloses systems and methods forremotely dimming LED light sources that are generally considered to benon-dimmable with conventional dimmers (i.e., a conventional dimmercauses either no effect—the LED stays at the same intensity and then atsome point simply turns off—or causes the LED to flash in a mannervisible to the human eye). The exemplary circuits herein also dim otherlight sources, as well (e.g., incandescent light sources), in additionto LED light sources. An exemplary dimming module accepts a power sourcefor a light source and a dimming signal. The dimming module modifies thepower signal and generates a modified power signal capable of dimmingLED light sources (and other light sources) that are generallyconsidered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers. The dimmingsignal can be a wireless signal. Exemplary embodiments include acomputer application (an “app”) executing on a computer or even ahandheld computer, such as a smart phone, pad computer, or tabletcomputer, that can be used to remotely dim, via the dimming module, oneor more LED light sources (and other light sources) that are generallyconsidered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high-level schematic block diagram of an exemplary dimmingsystem.

FIG. 2 is another high-level schematic block diagram of an exemplarydimming system.

FIG. 3 is a medium-level block schematic block diagram of an exemplarywireless addressable dimmer module.

FIGS. 4A-4C show output signals generated by the exemplary circuit ofFIG. 3, based on an exemplary dimmer control signal, at three differentzoom levels.

FIG. 5A-5C show output signals generated by the exemplary circuit ofFIG. 3, based on a different exemplary dimmer control signal, at threedifferent zoom levels.

FIGS. 6A-6C show three different switch control signals at differentdimmer control values.

FIGS. 7A-7C each show a dim control signal, switch control signal, andoutput signal for each of three different dim levels of an exemplarydimmer module with an AC power input.

FIGS. 8A-8C each show a dim control signal, switch control signal, andoutput signal for each of three different dim levels of an exemplarydimmer module with a DC power input.

FIG. 9 is a high-level schematic block diagram of an exemplary dimmermodule.

FIG. 10 is a high-level schematic block diagram of an exemplary dimmermodule.

FIG. 11 is an image of an exemplary dimmer module, light and stake in aconnected position.

FIG. 12 is an image of an exemplary dimmer module, light and stake in adisconnected position.

FIG. 13 is an image of the upper face of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 14 is an image of the lower face of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 15 is an isometric rendering of the upper surface of an exemplarydimmer module.

FIG. 16 is an isometric wire frame view of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 17 is a rendering of a side view of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 18 is a rendering of another side view of an exemplary dimmermodule.

FIG. 19 is a rendering of yet another side view of an exemplary dimmermodule.

FIG. 20 is a rendered top view of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 21 is a wire frame top view of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 22 is a rendering of one more side view of an exemplary dimmermodule.

FIG. 23 is a rendered bottom view of an exemplary dimmer module.

FIG. 24 is an isometric rendering of the lower surface of an exemplarydimmer module.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary schematic diagram for an exemplary circuitimplementation of a wireless addressable dimming module.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary schematic diagram for a front end circuit toa wireless addressable dimming module.

FIGS. 27A-27E show the voltage across a switching inductor and the inputvoltage for an exemplary wireless addressable dimming module accordingto FIG. 25.

FIGS. 28A-28B are voltage plots showing conceptually a output responseby an LED-driver circuit a to a dimmer module.

FIGS. 29A-29D show the voltage across a switching inductor and the inputvoltage for an exemplary wireless addressable dimming module accordingto FIG. 25 and with varying duty cycles.

FIG. 30 shows a plot of current going through an LED fixture versus dutycycle of the switching circuit for an exemplary wireless addressabledimming module according to FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary system 10 is shown.System 10 includes a dimmer module 12 that receives a power signal 14and a dimming signal. The dimming module 12 modifies the power signal 14and generates a modified power signal 16 capable of dimming LED lightsources (and other light sources) 18 that are generally considered to benon-dimmable with conventional dimmers. The power signal 14 can be an ACsignal or a DC signal or a hybrid AC/DC signal (e.g., an AC signal witha DC offset). If the power signal 14 is an AC power signal (or a hybridAC/DC signal), e.g., a 50-60 Hz AC signal, the dimmer module 12generates a modified power signal 16 having a significant frequencycomponent at least ten times the frequency of the AC power signalconsistent with the dimming signal that is capable of dimming LED lightsources (and other light sources) 18 that are generally considered to benon-dimmable with conventional dimmers. In exemplary embodiments, anexemplary dimmer module 12 interrupts one side of the AC power signalwith a switch (e.g., a field effect transistor) at a frequency at leastten times the frequency of the AC power signal. The resulting modifiedpower signal 16 has a significant frequency component at least ten timesthe frequency of the AC power signal consistent with the dimming signalthat is capable of dimming LED light sources (and other light sources)18 that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventionaldimmers. Such a signal mimics the AC power signal in at least onerespect, in the sense that the modified power signal 16 has an overallenvelope that is the same frequency of the AC power signal 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dimming module 12 can be individuallyaddressable to control (e.g., dim in response to a dimming signal) asingle light source 18 or a plurality of light sources 18 a, 18 b, etc.,that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventionaldimmers grouped in a “zone.”

The dimming signal can be a wireless dimming signal 20 from a wirelesstransmitter 22 (making the addressable dimmer module 12 a wirelessaddressable dimmer module 12), such as any one or more of a Bluetoothsignal, a Z-wave signal, an 802.15.4 (i.e., “Zigbee”), an 802.11 signal(WiFi), an NFC signal, a GPRS signal, a CDPD signal, a GSM signal, aUMTS signal, a CDMA signal, an LTE signal, a WiMax signal, an infraredsignal, an ultraviolet signal, an acoustic signal, or some otherwireless signal. In the alternative, the dimming signal can come from awired source, such as via the power signal 14 (e.g., X10 signals carriedby the conductors for the power signal 14).

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary wireless addressable dimmer module 40.Wireless addressable dimmer module 40 comprises a wireless receiver 42,a switch 44 (a MOSFET in FIG. 3), and logic for actuating the switch 44to modify the power signal 14 to generate a modified power signal 46consistent with the dimming signal capable of dimming LED light sources(and other light sources) 18 that are generally considered to benon-dimmable with conventional dimmers. The wireless receiver 42receives one or more wireless signals and generates a correspondingelectrical signal, e.g., one or more analog or digital signalscorresponding to the wireless signals.

In the following definitions of exemplary terms, both singular andplural forms of all terms fall within each meaning Excepted where notedotherwise, capitalized and non-capitalized forms of all terms fallwithin each meaning^(.)

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, analog hardware, digital hardware, firmware, software and/orcombinations of each to perform one or more functions or actions. Forexample, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include asoftware controlled processor, discrete logic such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmed logic device, or otherprocessor.

“Computer” or “processor” as used herein includes, but is not limitedto, any programmed or programmable electronic device or coordinateddevices that can store, retrieve, and process data and may be aprocessing unit or a distributed processing configuration. Examples ofprocessors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphicsprocessing units (GPUs), floating point units (FPUs), reducedinstruction set computing (RISC) processors, digital signal processors(DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Computer devicesherein can have any of various configurations, such as handheldcomputers (e.g., so-called smart phones), pad computers, tablet laptopcomputers, desktop computers, and other configurations, and includingother form factors. Logic may also be fully embodied as software.

“Software,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or morecomputer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a processoror other electronic device to perform functions, actions, processes,and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied invarious forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programsincluding separate applications or code from dynamically linkedlibraries (DLLs). Software may also be implemented in various forms suchas a stand-alone program, a web-based program, a function call, asubroutine, a servlet, an application, an app, an applet (e.g., a Javaapplet), a plug-in, instructions stored in a memory, part of anoperating system, or other type of executable instructions orinterpreted instructions from which executable instructions are created.It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the formof software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desiredapplication, the environment it runs on, and/or the desires of adesigner/programmer or the like.

“Data storage device,” as used herein, means a device for non-transitorystorage of code or data, e.g., a device with a non-transitory computerreadable medium.

“Non-transitory computer readable medium,” as used herein, means anysuitable non-transitory computer readable medium for storing code ordata, such as a magnetic medium, e.g., fixed disks in external harddrives, fixed disks in internal hard drives, and flexible disks; anoptical medium, e.g., CD disk, DVD disk, and other media, e.g., ROM,PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash PROM, external flash memory drives, etc.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the logic comprises a processor48 having a memory circuit comprising one or more non-transitorycomputer readable media of one or more data storage devices. This memorycircuit might include flash memory (or other solid state memory) and/orRAM and/or ROM memories, and/or one or more fixed disk drives and/orother memories. The memory circuit will have stored thereon logicmodules for performing the various functions and processes describedherein or a program to access such logic modules from a remote memory,such as a memory of access server (e.g., a browser program to accesssuch logic modules from the server memory). In this example, processor48 is preprogrammed to receive dimming data from the wireless receiver42 and to use the dimming data to generate the modified power signal 46consistent with the dimming data capable of dimming LED light sources(and other light sources) 18 that are generally considered to benon-dimmable with conventional dimmers. Such dimming data can be adesired discrete level of brightness, e.g., full on, off, medium, dim,etc., or a specific level of desired brightness along a spectrum, e.g.,100% on, 0% on, 33% on, 75% on, etc.

In exemplary embodiments, the processor 48 creates a modified powersignal 46 that produces about the same relative brightness from thelight source 18, 18 a, 18 b, etc., as requested by the dimming data. Inaddition, or in the alternative, in exemplary embodiments, the dimmingdata does not correlate to a specific desired degree of brightness perse, but represents a direction of intensity change as long as the signalis present. For example, the dimming data my make the light source 18brighter or more dim as long as the signal is present.

The exemplary configuration of FIG. 3 includes a full wave rectifier 50between the input 14 and the switch 44. Thus, in the exemplaryconfiguration of FIG. 3, the switch 44 interrupts (i.e., “chops”) a DCsignal to create the modified output DC signal 46. FIG. 4 shows anexemplary output signal 46 generated by the exemplary circuit of FIG. 3at three different zoom levels.

As can be seen in FIG. 4A, which is zoomed out, the exemplary output 46comprises a number of voltage spikes that have an overall shape(envelope) that is a 60 Hz signal, like the ˜12 VAC input signal 14.Also notice that the exemplary output 46 has only a very smallpercentage of the power of the input signal (the signal is off for thevast majority of the time). Zooming in, FIGS. 4B and 4C show that theindividual spikes bear little or no resemblance to the ˜12 VAC inputsignal 14. This is very different than typical dimmer circuits, whichtypically change either the voltage or the percentage of the inputsignal sine wave that passes through each cycle.

Returning to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 3, the dimmer data isin the form of an analog dimmer control signal 52, that is used by theprocessor 48 to generate a switch control signal 54 that turns theswitch 44 on and off at a frequency at least ten times the frequency ofthe ˜12 VAC input signal 14. For example, the analog dimmer controlsignal 52 can range between 0-3.3 VDC, with 0 VDC indicating off and 3.3VDC indicating full brightness. FIGS. 4A-4C show an exemplary modifiedpower signal 46 at an exemplary dimmer control signal 52 of 1.4 VDC. Incontrast, FIGS. 5A-5C show three zoom levels of an exemplary modifiedpower signal 46 at an exemplary dimmer control signal 52 of 2.0 VDC,which in this embodiment indicates that the light source 18 should bebrighter than with the 1.4 VDC control signal of FIG. 4.

Comparing the zoomed-out signals in the 1.4 VDC and 2.0 VDC groups(FIGS. 4A and 5A respectively), one can see that both comprise a numberof voltage spikes that have an overall shape (envelope) that is a 60 Hzsignal, like the ˜12 VAC input signal 14. Comparing the zoomed-in imagesin the 1.4 VDC and 2.0 VDC groups (FIGS. 4B-4C and 5B-5C respectively),the individual spikes bear little or no resemblance to the ˜12 VAC inputsignal 14. Additionally, comparing the bottom images in the 1.4 VDC and2.0 VDC groups, the 2.0 VDC control signal produces a wider pulse, whichresults in a brighter light source 18. In general, in this embodiment,the higher the control voltage 52, the wider the pulse in the outputsignal 46. Note the approximately triangular shape of the pulses inFIGS. 5A-5C.

In this embodiment, the processor 48 is programmed to cycle the switchoff and on at about 1500 Hz, which is sufficient to dim many ordinaryLED light sources without causing flashing and without causing damage tothe LEDs or their respective driver circuits. Without intending to bebound by any particular theory, it is believed that the exemplary outputsignals 16, 46 switch so fast that the LED drivers never really have achance to turn fully off between pulses, which dims the LEDs withoutcausing them to appear to be flashing. In exemplary embodiments, thisfrequency is fixed, e.g., 1000-1500 Hz, and programmed into theprocessor 48. In alternate exemplary embodiments, the frequency defaultsto a particular frequency, e.g., 1000-1500 Hz, but can be modifiedeither by a hardware user interface, e.g., a potentiometer 60 or via afrequency control parameter passed wirelessly to the receiver 42 via thewireless signal(s) 20. The wireless signal(s) 20 output a frequencycontrol signal 62 that is used by the processor 48 or other logic tomodify the frequency with which the switch 44 is cycled off and on. Aswitch frequency as high as 20 kHz can be used in accordance with theteachings herein.

FIGS. 6A-6C shows three different switch control signals 54 at differentdimmer control values 52, medium brightness, low brightness, and fullbrightness, respectively. As illustrated, the exemplary switch controlsignal 54 in this embodiment is a PWM signal, with a wider pulsecorresponding to a wider base of the triangular pulses in the outputsignal 46.

If the input signal 14 is a DC signal, the exemplary circuit 40 willchop that DC signal at a high frequency (e.g., 200 Hz or higher) to dimthe light source 18. In short, the MCU maps a certain control signal toa PWM duty cycle, which in turn switches a MOSFET ON/OFF based on thePWM signal. The smaller the duty cycle translates to a lower dim/lightlevel. The circuit is basically turning the LED fixture ON/OFF using thepower line instead of an enable pin or directly at the LEDs. The LEDdriver in the light source 18 regulates the current through the LEDsinstead of the switching circuit. If an AC voltage is applied to thecircuit then the frequency (driving the switcher) will be around 1 kHzor higher. If the input voltage is DC then the frequency (driving theswitch 44) can be around 200 Hz or higher.

FIGS. 7A-7C show three different dimming signals for an AC input 14.FIGS. 8A-8C show three different dimming signals for an a DC input 14.FIGS. 7A-7C and 8A-8C each 3 signals: progressively brighter dim controlsignals 52, the resulting PWM switch control signals 54, and theresulting the output signals 46. CH1 (the bottom signal in each image)is the output 46 measured at the output which connects to the LEDfixture, CH2 (the center signal in each image) is the PWM signal goingto the switching circuit, and CH3 (the top signal in each image) is thecontrol voltage which comes from the wireless device. Please note thatthis signal does not need to be an analog signal, it could be PWM, I2C,SPI, etc depending on the wireless device or if another form of controlis connected to the device. In this embodiment, the signal actuallycoming from the wireless receiver (an NXP device) is PWM converted to ananalog signal using a low signal for simplification.

FIGS. 7A-7C show three different dim levels for an exemplary accentlight with an AC voltage input to the wireless module. FIG. 7A is a lowdim level and FIG. 7C is a high dim level. It is possible to set theduty cycle of the PWM control line to 100% to increase the light, inthis embodiment the range is limited to ensure the output current to theLED fixture remains in a preferred range. A nonlinear action in outputcurrent may be observed when sweeping the PWM control line from 0% to100%. Depending on the input voltage to the wireless addressable dimmermodule 40, the PWM range may be limited so that the input current to thefixture is within a preferred current output range to match non-dimmablefixtures.

FIGS. 8A-8C show three different dim levels for an exemplary accentlight with a DC voltage input to the wireless module. No code waschanged or modifications were made to the circuit—it is the same setup.The only difference between the embodiments producing the outputs ofFIGS. 7A-7C and FIGS. 8A-8C is that the AC source is removed and a 15Volt DC source is connected to the wireless addressable dimmer module40. FIG. 8A is a low dim level and FIG. 8C is a high dim level.

Returning again to FIG. 3, in exemplary embodiments, the voltage of theinput signal 14 is variable, e.g., in landscape lighting systems orother systems where significant power line lengths cause voltage dropsthat decrease the input voltage from nominal. For example, in landscapelighting systems, the input voltage can vary between 9-12 VAC dependingon how close to the transformer the landscape fixture is. This can causeundesired variabilities, e.g., a signal that is 30% of a 12 volt signalwill cause light source 18 to be much brighter than a signal that is 30%of a 9 volt signal. To accommodate for such variability, in exemplaryembodiments, the wireless addressable dimmer module 40 can have anoptional voltage monitor 70 that determines the voltage of the inputsignal 14 and generates a voltage monitor signal 72 that is used by theprocessor 48 (or other logic) to more accurately control the switch 44.The switch 44 generates an output signal 46 that gives the desiredbrightness in the light source 18 in response to the dim control signal52.

The voltage monitor 70 can be implemented with a simple low-pass filterand logic level converter. For example, in exemplary embodiments, theprocessor 48 has a lookup table that automatically (without humanintervention) correlates input voltage to a PWM percentage range, e.g.,for a 9 VAC input signal, it uses the range of 20-70% PWM on controlsignal 54 for a full, linear dimming range, but for a 12 VAC signal, ituses the range of 0-30% PWM on control signal 54 for a full, lineardimming range The processor 48 automatically compensates for a reducedinput voltage by increasing the dimming range applied to the switch 44.Those skilled in the art can determine the values of such a tablewithout undue experimentation by incrementally varying the input voltageand, with a fixed input voltage, sweeping the dimming signal 52 from0-100% and seeing the effect on the particular light source 18. In thealternative, one can use the knowledge of the voltage level going intothe circuit as a multiplier for the duty cycle, to make sure that thelight at the beginning of the run has almost the same light output asthe one on the end at the same dim level.

The exemplary configuration of FIG. 3 can control (e.g., dim) LED lightsources, LED retrofit light sources, low-powered LED light sources,incandescent light sources, halogen light sources, Gen 1 (LED) lightsources, and Radiax light sources, and thus can control (e.g., dim)light fixtures with one or more of these light sources. Such differentlight source types use different amounts of power. Accordingly, the dimcontrol signal 52 (and also the corresponding transmitted dimming data20) can be varied to provide for a full range of brightness for thedifferent light types, both in the situation when the input voltage isexpected to be constant (e.g., in 120 VAC lighting systems) and when theinput voltage is expected to vary (e.g., in low voltage 9-12 VAClandscape lighting systems). A lookup table can be used to store datafor the processor 48 to use to provide a full range of dimmer controlfor the various lighting types. Those skilled in the art can determinethe values of such a table without undue experimentation byincrementally varying the lighting type, and the input voltage ifwarranted, and, with a fixed input voltage, sweeping the dimming signal52 from 0-100% and seeing the effect on the particular light source 18.In the alternative, such tables can be stored in the wirelesstransmitter 22, e.g., a computer application (an “app”) executing on acomputer or even a handheld computer, such as a smart phone, padcomputer, or tablet computer, that can be used to remotely dim, via thedimming module, one or more LED light sources (and other light sources)that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventionaldimmers.

Additionally, exemplary circuit 40 can also have a power circuit 74 thatprovides power for the wireless receiver 42, the processor 48, etc.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary lighting control system 100. The lightingcontrol system of FIG. 4 includes a communication source, e.g., aconnection 102 to the Internet, a router, and a gateway, which connectsto the Internet via the router. The gateway, which can be an iQ Logicgateway, accepts dimming input from various apps, e.g., the iQ LogicSmartQloud app, and transmits wireless signals to various light sources.In exemplary embodiments, the dimming modules 12, 40 of the presentdisclosure are configured to receive wireless signals from the gateway,e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, or Z-Wave signals, or other wireless signals, andreceive dimming data and other data from via the wireless signal.Exemplary system 100 includes a landscape transformer and/or a DC powersupply to provide an input signal 14 to each of the light fixtures shown(nominally 12 VAC or 12 VDC).

Each of the light fixtures in FIG. 9 has its own wireless addressabledimming module 12, 40 (each shown in FIG. 9 as a rectangle emitting awireless signal). Thus, each fixture is separately dimmable andseparately controllable with respect to power need to provide a fullrange of linear dimmability. Dim control signals from the computerstravel either to the router to the gateway to the modules 12, 40 or tothe Internet to the router to the gateway to the modules 12, 40,depending on how close the computer is to the router and how thecomputer is configured (non-WiFi devices near the router still go to thegateway via the Internet).

Another exemplary system is shown in FIG. 10. Like FIG. 2, FIG. 10 showsa plurality of light fixtures/light sources in a zone, with each zonecontrolled by a single wireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 (eachshown in FIG. 10 as a rectangle or puck emitting a wireless signal).Like the lighting control system of FIG. 9, the system of FIG. 10includes a communication source, e.g., a connection to the Internet, arouter, and a gateway, which connects to the Internet via the router.The gateway, which can be an iQ Logic gateway, accepts dimming inputfrom various apps, e.g., the iQ Logic SmartQloud app, and transmitswireless signals to various light sources. In exemplary embodiments, thedimming modules 12, 40 of the present disclosure are configured toreceive wireless signals from the gateway, e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, or Z-Wavesignals, or other wireless signals, and receive dimming data and otherdata via the wireless signal.

The exemplary system of FIG. 10 includes a landscape transformer and/ora DC power supply to provide an input signal 14 to each of the lightfixtures shown (nominally 12 VAC or 12 VDC). The wireless addressabledimming modules 12, 40 in FIG. 10 modify the power signal going to thezone instead of the power signal going to each individual light fixture,as in FIG. 9. Thus, each zone is separately dimmable and separatelycontrollable, which may or may not provide a full range of lineardimmability (fixtures with different power requirements in the same zonemight not appear to be dimmed to the same level). Dim control signalsfrom the computers travel either to the router to the gateway and thento the modules 12, 40 or to the Internet, to the router, and then to thegateway to the modules 12, 40, depending on how close the computer is tothe router and how the computer is configured (signals from non-WiFiInternet capable devices, e.g., some smart phones, near the router willgo to the gateway via the Internet).

FIGS. 11-24 show an exemplary external configuration for the wirelessaddressable dimming module 12, 40—an annular puck, with a threadedopening on one side to accept and couple to the threaded stem of alandscape fixture and a threaded extension on the other side to coupleto and be secured to the threaded opening of a landscape lighting stake.This configuration permits prior art landscape fixtures to beretrofitted with the wireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 taughtherein. In exemplary embodiments, the puck is sealed against moisture. Ametal casting provides the bottom, the threaded extension, and a centralportion forming the threaded opening. A plastic upper portion permits RFwireless signals to pass from outside into the puck to the antenna ofthe wireless addressable dimming module 12, 40.

As can be seen in FIGS. 11-24, to install the puck on a lightingfixture, one unscrews the threaded stem of the landscape fixture fromthe threaded opening of the landscape lighting stake, threads the wirefor the fixture through the central opening of the puck, twists the puckonto the stake to threadably secure the threaded extension of the puckto the threaded opening of the landscape lighting stake, twists thethreaded stem of the fixture onto the puck to threadably secure thelight fixture to the puck, electrically connects the power cable to thepuck, and electrically connects the puck output to the light fixturepower cable. Although the figures show a particular landscape fixturebeing used, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, virtually any landscape fixturecan be used with the wireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40 taughtherein.

In the alternative, in exemplary embodiments, the wireless addressabledimming module 12, 40 circuitry is added directly to the enclosure of anLED or other fixture to permit dimming via a wireless transmitter 22.

As mentioned above, the light sources 18 can be controlled (e.g.,dimmed) via software executing on a computer, e.g., an App executing ona smart phone (e.g., an iPhone) or a tablet computer (e.g., an iPad). Inexemplary embodiments, such software generates a graphical interface foradding light sources for control and controlling light sources andtransmits corresponding data to the wireless addressable dimming modules12, 40, as discussed herein. In exemplary embodiments, such softwareperforms any one or any two or more of the following while adding lightsources for control:

A. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., an icon or othersoftware user input with which the user can indicate a desire to add alight to be controlled by that computer;

B. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can identifythe specific wireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40 being added;

C. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can indicatewhether the wireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40 is controlling azone or an individual fixture and enter a name for that fixture or zone;

D. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selector otherwise input the type of light source 18 (or collection of lightsources in the zone), e.g., an LED light source, an LED retrofit lightsource, a low-powered LED light source, an incandescent light source, ahalogen light source, a Gen 1 (LED) light source, or a Radiax lightsource, etc.;

E. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selector otherwise input the power used by the light source 18 (or by thecollection of light sources in the zone), e.g., a specific amount inmilliamps or within a particular range of milliamps, to permit thewireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40 to apply an appropriatedimming range for that fixture or zone (e.g., a higher dimming range fora higher power zone/fixture or a lower dimming range for a lower powerzone/fixture);

F. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selector otherwise increase or decrease the frequency of switching the switch44 of the wireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 to attempt todecrease flickering of any of the light sources 18;

G. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selector otherwise input an incremental brightness offset (such as apercentage) to increase or decrease the brightness of that particularfixture or zone for one reason or another (e.g., to manually compensatefor power signal line losses or the age of light source);

H. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selector otherwise input whether the processor 48 is to automaticallycompensate for reduced voltage at the input 14, as discussed herein;

I. (a) Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can causethe module 12, 40 to slowly increase the switching frequency (frequencyat which the switch 44 is actuated, e.g., the PWM frequency if PWM isused to control switch 44) from a lower value (e.g., any of the lowerfrequency end points herein, e.g., 600 Hz) to a higher value (e.g., anyof the higher frequency end points herein, e.g., 2000 Hz) (or viceversa, i.e., start at the higher frequency and slowly decrease theswitching frequency to the lower value), (b) provide another softwareuser input (not shown), e.g., one or more pull-down menus or drop-downmenus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one or more select-oneradio button sets, and/or select-all radio button sets, and/or one ormore freeform text fields into which text can be freely typed with acomputer keyboard, with which a user can indicate to the App and/or themodule 12, 40 when the light source begins to flicker, and (c) provideanother software user input (not shown), e.g., one or more pull-downmenus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one ormore select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio button sets,and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can be freelytyped with a computer keyboard, with which a user can indicate to theApp and/or the module 12, 40 when the light source ceases flickering tointeractively find the appropriate switching frequency for that lightingfixture. In exemplary embodiments, a frequency between these end pointsis to control the switch 44 for that fixture, e.g., sent by the remotetransmitter 22 or set in the module 12, 40; and/or

J. (a) Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can causethe module 12, 40 to slowly increase the PWM pulse width (or othermeasure of output power in the output signal 44) from a lower value(e.g., 0% or any of the lower percentage end points herein) to a highervalue (e.g., 100% or any of the lower percentage end points herein,e.g., 70%) (or vice versa, i.e., start at the higher percentage andslowly decrease the percentage to the lower value), (b) provide anothersoftware user input (not shown), e.g., one or more pull-down menus ordrop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one or moreselect-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio button sets,and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can be freelytyped with a computer keyboard, with which a user can indicate to theApp and/or the module 12, 40 when the light source begins to illuminate(or begins to dim from full brightness, if decreasing the percentage),and (c) provide another software user input (not shown), e.g., one ormore pull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons orhyperlinks, and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/orselect-all radio button sets, and/or one or more freeform text fieldsinto which text can be freely typed with a computer keyboard, with whicha user can indicate to the App and/or the module 12, 40 when the lightsource is at full brightness (or turns off, if decreasing thepercentage) to interactively find the appropriate dimming range (e.g.,PWM percentage) for that lighting fixture. In exemplary embodiments,these end points are used to map a desired brightness into anappropriate PWM switch control signal, such as using the desired degreeof brightness as a mathematical scalar between the two endpoints, e.g.,50% desired brightness would be set at the percentage half way betweenthe two determined endpoints.

In exemplary embodiments, such software performs any one or any two ormore of the following while controlling light sources and transmittingcorresponding data to the wireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40,as discussed herein:

1. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks,and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radiobutton sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text canbe freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can selectone or more wireless addressable dimming modules 12, 40 (i.e., one ormore corresponding fixtures or zones) to control;

2. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or sliders, and/orone or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio buttonsets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can befreely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user can control thebrightness of a light source 18 or selected light sources or a zonecoupled to one or more selected wireless addressable dimming module 12,40, such as inputting a brightness value (e.g., a percentage) or a range(high, medium, low, off) or the like;

3. Provide a software user input (not shown), e.g., one or morepull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or sliders, and/orone or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio buttonsets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can befreely typed with a computer keyboard, with which a user canincrementally increase or decrease the brightness of a light source 18or selected light sources or a zone coupled to one or more selectedwireless addressable dimming module 12, 40, with each actuation of thatuser input (and/or continuously increase or decrease the brightness of alight source 18 or a zone coupled to a wireless addressable dimmingmodule 12, 40 while the user input is continually actuated); and/or

4. Provide a graphical display displaying to a user an indication of howbrightly a selected fixture or zone is being controlled, e.g., high,medium, low, or off or a specific percentage.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary schematic diagram for an exemplary circuitimplementation of the wireless addressable dimming module 40 of FIG. 3.The wireless receiver 42 may be implemented with NXP's JN5148microcontroller and associated circuitry (line 52 is the “control”signal in FIG. 25 and is a 0-3.3 VDC analog voltage corresponding to thedimming data received by the receiver), the processor 48 may beimplemented with a PIC and associated circuitry (the line 54 is “PWM” inFIG. 25), the switch 44 may be implemented with the IRF4905 HEXFET®Power MOSFET, the rectifier 50 may be implemented with the Fairchild'sGBU8K bridge rectifier, and the power circuit 74 is implemented with theMotorola MC34063 control circuit and associated circuitry. The optionalvoltage monitor 70 is not implemented in the exemplary circuitry of FIG.25. FIG. 26 shows a front end to the circuit of FIG. 25.

Many LED driver circuits are constant current generating circuits. Thecircuit of FIG. 25 functions with at least the following LED drivercircuits (i.e., off, on, and approximately linear dimming rangein-between):

-   -   Kichler Lighting's retro-fit LED bulbs.    -   Kichler Lighting underwater driver package. This driver is a        step down converter and is based on Monolithic Power Systems'        MP2489 LED light driver. The period of the drive is set to 5 μS        and is roughly 200 kHz. For this driver to be able to have a        large enough dimming range, the PWM frequency may need to be        increased to around 11 kHz on the wireless dimming module.    -   Kichler Lighting Path Light Driver, based around Texas        Instruments' TL494 PWM controller and setup in a Buck converter        and set to approximately 100 kHz. The wireless module is able to        control the dimming rate of the driver very well at around 1 kHz        PWM frequency.    -   Kichler Lighting Gen 1 LED driver. Driver is based on Texas        Instruments' TL494 PWM controller and is configured as a fixed        frequency Buck converter. The driver may be dimmable with the        wireless dimming module in a range of about 1000-2000 Hz, e.g.,        at about 1000 Hz.    -   Kichler Lighting Gen 2 LED driver. This driver is based on the        Texas Instruments'LM3429 N-Channel controller and is a        buck-boost topology. It is set to a 700 kHz operating frequency.        The driver may be dimmable with the wireless dimming module in a        range of about 1000-2000 Hz, e.g., at about 1000 Hz.    -   New Kichler Lighting Path Light Driver. A driver based on        Monolithic Power Systems'MP24833 IC (configured for a Buck-Boost        converter) switching at 200 kHz: This driver has good dimming        capabilities with the wireless dimmer at around 1 kHz PWM        frequency. FIGS. 27A-27E show the voltage across the switching        inductor on CH1 (top signal in each of the figures) and the        input voltage on CH2 (bottom signal in each of the figures).        FIGS. 27A-27B are at a low dim level and 27C is a zoom in shot        of the low dim level. As can be seen, the driver is not on all        the time and possibly has some quazi-on time in the beginning        and ending of the CH1 trace which shows burst periods of an        ON-State. FIG. 27D shows a zoomed in picture with the dim level        set to a high brightness. As can be seen, the driver is running        at a near full on with little to no dead time. FIG. 27E is a        zoomed out of the oscilloscope capture of FIG. 27D to show more        waveforms on the screen.

The module of FIG. 25 may not work with all LED drivers. For example,one Hardscape LED driver is based on Orient-Chip's OCP8120 and is a BuckConverter. If the frequency is set to approximately 89 kHz and varies ±2kHz, depending on input voltage range 9 to 15 VDC, the wireless dimmerof FIG. 25 does not work on this driver.

LED fixtures typically have an LED driver circuit having a switchingcircuit that acts as a converter to convert an input voltage to a signalsuitable for driving an LED, e.g., either a buck converter, a boostconverter, or a buck-boost converter. Although some LED driver circuitshave switching circuits that have a dimming input that accepts a dimmingsignal to dim the LEDs using a control signal, the wireless addressabledimming module 12, 40 may cause many switching circuits of LED drivercircuits to dim the LEDs without using the dimming input. Rather, thewireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 causes many switchingcircuits of LED driver circuits to dim the LEDs by providing a speciallymodulated input voltage to the LED driver circuit and its switchingcircuit.

Although not wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that thewireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 works on LED fixtures thathave a preferred reaction rate to the modulated input voltage thatallows an average difference of energy at the output of the LED to bevaried depending on the duty cycle of the switching circuit within thedimming module.

FIGS. 28A-B are voltage plots showing conceptually what is believed tobe happening in some LED driver circuits permitting them to dim the LEDsin response to the output signal 16, 46 generated by the dimmer module12, 40 (without intending to be bound by any particular theory). In aperfect LED driver circuit, represented by FIG. 28A, the LED driver iseither ON (illuminating the LED) or OFF. In actual LED driver circuitembodiments, however, if you analyze the voltage across the inductor(s)(many LED driver circuits have one or more inductors as a primary energystorage element), one sees that the driver circuit is in a quasi-ON/OFFstate at certain times when driven by the output signal 16, 46, such aswhen the driver circuit is about to turn ON or about to turn OFF, asrepresented by FIG. 28B.

The EV24833-N-00A Evaluation Board is an exemplary switching circuit foran LED driver. The EV24833-N-00A Evaluation Board can be dimmed usingthe wireless addressable dimming module 12, 40 without using the dimminginput to cause the dimming. It is available from Monolithic PowerSystems and uses an inductor as a main power element.

When the duty cycle of the switching circuit is small (say close to 10%)then looking at the voltage across the inductor within a Buck-Boost LEDfixture (FIG. 29A, CH1=voltage across inductor, CH2=input voltage toBuck-Boost; FIG. 29B is a zoomed in version of FIG. 29A), it can be seenthat there is a short period where the inductor has zero energy. If onewere able to look at the average energy going to the LEDs, one would seean average current of 100 mA. Now if the duty cycle of the switchingcircuit is increased (say close to 50%) then looking at the voltageacross the inductor (FIG. 29C) one would see the short period where theinductor has zero energy across it be reduced and the average energygoing to the LEDs would increase. One may thus see an energy of 300 mAinstead of the previous 100 mA. And as the duty cycle of the switchingcircuit is further increased (say 90%) then one would see the voltageacross the inductor (FIG. 29D) have nearly zero dead time and theaverage energy at the LEDs would be even greater than before.

If the current going through the LED fixture is plotted against the dutycycle of the switching circuit one would notice a nonlinear curve (FIG.30, below). This curve is believe to be nonlinear due to the in-rushcurrent of the LED driver being turn ON/OFF and then after some pointthe zero-energy point for the system is reduced enough that the in-rushsubsides and the driver is on fully and we have a constant currentdespite the duty cycle applied to the switching circuit.

Some of the steps, acts, and other processes and portions of processesare described herein as being done “automatically.” In the alternative,or in addition thereto, those steps, acts, and other processes andportions of processes can be done with one or more intervening humanacts or other manual acts that eventually trigger the mentioned step(s),act(s), and/or other process(es) and/or process portion(s).

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details.Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. For example, many of the examples herein are for lowvoltage landscape lighting; the disclosure herein applies equally toother systems, such as 120 VAC residential and commercial lightingsystems and 12 volt and 24 volt LED tape light. As another example, thesteps of all processes and methods herein can be performed in any order,unless two or more steps are expressly stated as being performed in aparticular order, or certain steps inherently require a particularorder. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventiveconcept.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: at least onecontrollable switch electrically connected between an input and anoutput; a receiver configured to receive a dimming signal and transmit adimming control signal; and logic configured to accept the dimmingcontrol signal and control the switch at a frequency of at least 200 Hzfor a DC input signal and at least 600 Hz for an AC signal to generate asignal at the output terminals to dim a light source generallyconsidered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the dimming signal is a wireless signaland the receiver is a wireless receiver.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an input signal monitor that monitors a parameter ofthe input signal and generates a monitor signal that used by the logicto automatically adjust the output to compensate for a detecteddifference in that input signal parameter.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an input signal monitor that monitors a parameter ofthe input signal and generates a monitor signal that used by the logicto automatically adjust the output upwards a degree corresponding to adegree the input signal differs from the nominal value for that inputsignal parameter.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising avoltage monitor that determines a voltage of the input signal andgenerates a voltage monitor signal that used by the logic toautomatically adjust the output upwards a degree corresponding to adegree the input voltage differs from the nominal voltage for that inputsignal.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switch is switched at afrequency of between 600 and 2000 Hz, or between 600 and 1600 Hz, orbetween 600 and 1900 Hz, or between 600 and 5000 Hz, or between 600 and10 KHz, or between 600 and 20 KHz, or between 900 and 2000 Hz, orbetween 600 and 1600 Hz, or between 900 and 1900 Hz, or between 900 and5000 Hz, or between 900 and 10 KHz, or between 900 and 20 KHz, orbetween 1400 and 2000 Hz, or between 1400 and 1600 Hz, or between 1400and 1900 Hz, or between 1400 and 5000 Hz, or between 1400 and 10 KHz, orbetween 1400 and 20 KHz.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprisinga switch frequency control with which a user can adjust the frequencythe switch is cycled to adjust the appearance of the light source. 8.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the switch frequency control is ahardware device with which a user can adjust the frequency the switch iscycled to adjust the appearance of the light source.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the switch frequency control is generated from a valuewirelessly transmitted to the wireless receiver to adjust the appearanceof the light source.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anenclosure having a threaded opening on one side and a threadedprojection on the other side to couple in-between and mechanicallysecure to a lighting fixture and a lighting stake and providecontrollable dimming for the lighting fixture.
 11. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein each apparatus has a stored identifier;wherein the dimming signal includes an identifier of one or more lightsources to be dimmed via the dimming signal; and wherein the receiver isconfigured to receive the dimming signal, determine the identifierassociated with the received dimming signal, compare its respectiveidentifier to the received identifier, and transmit a dimming controlsignal responsive to the received identifier matching the receivedidentifier.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controllableswitch comprises a MOSFET having a gate, a source, and a drainconnection, the drain connection being connected to the output, andwherein the logic comprises: a microcontroller unit having a switchercontrol signal input electrically connected to the receiver, a frequencycontrol signal input electrically connected to the receiver, a switchercontrol line output electrically connected to the gate of thecontrollable switch; a power circuit electrically connected to themicrocontroller unit and the receiver to supply power to both themicrocontroller unit and the receiver; and a full wave rectifierelectrically connected between the input and the source of thecontrollable switch, the full wave rectifier also being electricallyconnected to the power circuit.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a voltage monitor that determines a voltage of the inputsignal and generates a voltage monitor signal that used by the logic toautomatically adjust the output upwards a degree corresponding to adegree the input voltage differs from the nominal voltage for that inputsignal; wherein the switch is switched at a frequency of between 600 and2000 Hz; further comprising a switch frequency control with which a usercan adjust the frequency the switch is cycled to adjust the appearanceof the light source; and wherein each apparatus has a stored identifier;wherein the dimming signal includes an identifier of one or more lightsources to be dimmed via the dimming signal; and wherein the receiver isconfigured to receive the dimming signal, determine the identifierassociated with the received dimming signal, compare its respectiveidentifier to the received identifier, and transmit a dimming controlsignal responsive to the received identifier matching the receivedidentifier.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controllableswitch comprises a MOSFET having a gate, a source, and a drainconnection, the drain connection being connected to the output, andwherein the logic comprises: a microcontroller unit having a switchercontrol signal input electrically connected to the receiver, a frequencycontrol signal input electrically connected to the receiver, a switchercontrol line output electrically connected to the gate of thecontrollable switch; a power circuit electrically connected to themicrocontroller unit and the receiver to supply power to both themicrocontroller unit and the receiver; and a full wave rectifierelectrically connected between the input and the source of thecontrollable switch, the full wave rectifier also being electricallyconnected to the power circuit.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising an enclosure having a threaded opening on one side and athreaded projection on the other side to couple in-between andmechanically secure to a lighting fixture and a lighting stake andprovide controllable dimming for the lighting fixture.
 16. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the dimming signal is a wireless signal and thereceiver is a wireless receiver and wherein the switch frequency controlis generated from a value wirelessly transmitted to the wirelessreceiver to adjust the appearance of the light source.
 17. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the controllable switch comprises a MOSFET having agate, a source, and a drain connection, the drain connection beingconnected to the output, and wherein the logic comprises: amicrocontroller unit having a switcher control signal input electricallyconnected to the receiver, a frequency control signal input electricallyconnected to the receiver, a switcher control line output electricallyconnected to the gate of the controllable switch; a power circuitelectrically connected to the microcontroller unit and the receiver tosupply power to both the microcontroller unit and the receiver; and afull wave rectifier electrically connected between the input and thesource of the controllable switch, the full wave rectifier also beingelectrically connected to the power circuit; and further comprising anenclosure having a threaded opening on one side and a threadedprojection on the other side to couple in-between and mechanicallysecure to a lighting fixture and a lighting stake and providecontrollable dimming for the lighting fixture; and wherein the dimmingsignal is a wireless signal and the receiver is a wireless receiver; andwherein the switch frequency control is generated from a valuewirelessly transmitted to the wireless receiver to adjust the appearanceof the light source.
 18. A method of retrofitting a landscape lightingfixture and stake for dimming control with a dimmer unit, comprising:unscrewing the threaded stem of the landscape fixture from the threadedopening of the landscape lighting stake; threading the wire for thefixture through the central opening of the dimmer unit; twisting thedimmer unit onto the stake to threadably secure the threaded extensionof the dimmer unit to the threaded opening of the landscape lightingstake; twisting the threaded stem of the fixture onto the dimmer unit tothreadably secure the light fixture to the dimmer unit; electricallyconnecting the power cable to the dimmer unit; and electricallyconnecting the dimmer unit output to the light fixture power cable. 19.The method of retrofitting a landscape lighting fixture and stake fordimming control with a dimmer unit according to claim 18, wherein thedimmer unit is the apparatus according to claim 1 with optionally anyone or any two or more of the characteristics of claim
 17. 20. Acomputer system, comprising a processor programmed to perform any one orany two or more of: provide a software user input which the user canindicate a desire to add a light to be controlled by that computer;and/or provide a software user input with which a user can identify oneor more specific wireless addressable dimming module being added; and/orprovide a software user input with which a user can indicate whether thewireless addressable dimming module is controlling a zone or anindividual fixture and optionally enter a name for that fixture or zone;and/or provide a software user input with which a user can select orotherwise input the type of light source (or collection of light sourcesin the zone); and/or provide a software user input with which a user canselect or otherwise input the power used by the light source (or by thecollection of light sources in the zone), e.g., XX milliamps or within aparticular range of milliamps, to permit the wireless addressabledimming module to apply an appropriate dimming range for that fixture orzone (e.g., a higher dimming range for a higher power zone/fixture or alower dimming range for a lower power zone/fixture); and/or provide asoftware user input with which a user can select or otherwise increaseor decrease the frequency of switching a switch of the wirelessaddressable dimming module to attempt to decrease flickering of any ofthe light sources; and/or provide a software user input with which auser can select or otherwise input an incremental brightness offset(such as a percentage) to increase or decrease the brightness of thatparticular fixture or zone for one reason or another (e.g., to manuallycompensate for power signal line losses or the age of light source);and/or provide a software user input with which a user can select orotherwise input whether the processor is to automatically compensate forreduced voltage at the input; and/or provide a software user input withwhich a user can select one or more wireless addressable dimming modulesto control (e.g., dim); and/or provide a software user input with whicha user can control the brightness of a light source or a zone coupled toa wireless addressable dimming module such as inputting a brightnessvalue (e.g., a percentage) or a range (high, medium, low, off) or thelike; and/or provide a software user input with which a user canincrementally increase or decrease the brightness of a light source or azone coupled to a wireless addressable dimming module with eachactuation of that user input (and/or continuously increase or decreasethe brightness of a light source or a zone coupled to a wirelessaddressable dimming module while the user input is continuallyactuated); and/or provide a graphical display displaying to a user anindication of how brightly a selected fixture or zone is beingcontrolled, e.g., high, medium, low, or off or a specific percentage.